I have access to over $1,000 but I'm not sure what to get as I am new to modding cars. I'm trying to be as efficient with my money as possible. I am looking to use my S2K for occasional races but is also my daily driver. I am also open to any suggestions for any aero parts as well.

 

Your best mod is fresh tires, good brakes, and time at the track. SCCA, MVP time attack, etc.. I know that might sound like a cheap answer, but you do a few laps hitting 130 with the top down at Road Atlanta and then tell me you'd rather buy a new stereo. This car a blast as is for a while. If you absolutely need to do something, get an air take and a midranged price exhaust. It will make your ears happy. Track time better than pretty parts if you have to choose though.

 

I am guessing you have have an AP1 based on your screen name.

I'd recommend looking into 4.57 or 4.77 gears if you want the most bang for your buck. It will give you ZERO HP but your acceleration will be greatly improved. Nothing short of a supercharger will net you better acceleration in the first 4 gears.

 

I would say you should probably look into modding your suspension first instead of adding more power if you're going to go to the track.

But to answer your question anyway, the mod for the best hp/$ is definitely a turbo. I think a lot of people would prefer a supercharger though because you keep the response while still getting a lot more power and torque. You really aren't going to be able to get much power out of the F20 or F22 from NA mods unless you invest a lot of money. Things like exhaust don't even really add power, they're more for weight reduction, although that does help acceleration too. I don't think there's a really good turbo kit, but I heard the Greddy one isn't so great for track use. You're probably better off asking about that in the FI forum though.

I would second the person that recommended getting new tires. I don't know how experienced you are, but given that you're asking this question I'm going to guess you aren't a pro or anything, in which case I think the best way to spend your money is getting more seat time. After you get more seat time and understand the car, you can think about what mods you want to best suit your driving style. I don't really see the point of getting a turbo or SC and then going out on the track and having the car overwhelm you. I don't mean to question your driving ability, but it's just harder to learn that way, and I know this because I'm trying to learn myself. Right now, if I had spare cash I wouldn't even bother getting any power mods but rather get some new seats and a roll bar, because I have bruises on my knees from my last autocross. Seriously though, track days aren't cheap, and I wish I had more money so I could go out more often.

Hope that helped!

 

Tires, gears, and lightweight exhaust + testpipe. You'll be happy.

 

thanks guys, I'm pretty new to this and I'm trying to find a decent track to go to but unfortunately there aren't any around Oklahoma City :/ I am thinking about spending $ on some track time and a CAI just because it'll be easy to install (I'm trying to gain experience with working on cars as well), add a nice sound to the engine, and has the possibility of increasing mpg's. I am going to try to get some track time in Tulsa but that's 2 and a half hours away so it won't be an every week thing. oh and i've already got some nice BF Goodrich tires on my S2K right now so I don't think I need to think about upgrading those. Any other suggestions on how to get experience working on my car?

 

If wanting a good amount of power for not to much money maybe you should look into nitrous. It is very safe if you do it right, and our motors can easily handle a 75 shot. Anything more than that you will need an EMS, direct port, and a clutch, but what I would do is get a 50-65 wet shot, get a window switch so you only spray in certain RPM's (i.e. 5000-8500 rpms) that way you aren't spraying at a low RPM and not spraying during shifts. Most kits come with a WOT switch also so it won't spray until you are flooring it. Also for safety I would get a Wideband lean shut down switch. You can monitor your AFR's and if you run to lean, it will automatically shut down your nitrous system so you don't blow anything up.

You can get a full kit, the window switch, lean shut down switch, bottle opener, ect for around $1000 at dynotunenitrous.com. I ran one of their kits on my old 300zx and it was pretty nice for the price. It's also nice since you use the power only when you want to, and your not putting any extra stress on your engine or clutch when your not spraying.

Just my opinion if your wanting some extra power for a decent price.

 

SuzukaBlue Is right on the money. I would do that which leaves you live a little bit of money for some aero parts, front lip and rear spoiler, which you can find a nice budget one on my Index Thread on my signature.

If your not into the Nitrous bit i would highly recommend getting the gears as stated earlier, look in "kia gears" they are 4.77's and would also serve nice if your planning to track the car but on the highway the only downside is youd be driving at high revs.

Skip the bolt ons.

Exhaust and Test pipe would be a good option too, 3 inch exhaust, with a TEST PIPE, that is key. If your an '06 get a Flashpro+ and get it tuned

I hate to put him on the spot, but any direct qeustions, just send the dude above me (suzuka blue) a Privae Message, lol sorry max...

And as far as experience on your car, pick up a nice tool set, pref one thats a power tool for our screws under neath the car, a nice jackstand, and start with swapping out the exhaust, our car is like lego's. I have had no prior car experience as far as modding it myself, and its truley an amazing car to learn with.

 

Hmm I think I will hold off on the nitrous till i'm more experienced with both driving and working on my car, but I do like the idea of swapping out the exhaust on my own. I can't wait to learn how to take apart and rebuild my car

 

exactly.
i say tires->alingment->training